Khirbet Kerak Archaeological Site
Bronze Age archaeological mound with fortress remains
Khirbet Kerak is an archaeological tell in northern Israel noted for Early Bronze Age strata and distinctive pottery assemblages; archaeologists and interested visitors study excavation reports and nearby museum exhibits.
Khirbet Kerak at a Glance#
About Khirbet Kerak#
Khirbet Kerak is an archaeological tell in Israel’s Northern District on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is a major Early Bronze Age settlement and the eponym for the Khirbet Kerak ceramic tradition.
Archaeological remains include a large ancient mound with visible tiers of mudbrick architecture and extensive pottery assemblages; the site is primarily known for its distinctive burnished and black-on-red wares. Excavated finds have been important for understanding Early Bronze Age urbanism in the region.
The site was principally occupied in the Early Bronze Age and shows material links with the wider Kura-Araxes cultural horizon; it has been investigated by archaeologists during the 20th century. Finds from Khirbet Kerak have helped define regional ceramic chronologies.
The tell lies on the southern shore of Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) in northern Israel, set amid agricultural land and lakeshore terrain. It is reachable from nearby towns and from the broader Tiberias area along the lakeshore.
- Khirbet Kerak pottery: The site gave its name to the Khirbet Kerak ceramic style (Kura-Araxes related) which is distinctive across the southern Caucasus and Levantine Early Bronze contexts.
How to Get to Khirbet Kerak#
Khirbet Kerak is in Israel’s northern district / Jordan Valley region. Access is usually by road; visitors should use a car or a guided archaeological tour from nearby towns. Exact directions depend on the chosen trailhead and permissions for archaeological areas.
Tips for Visiting Khirbet Kerak#
- Wear sturdy shoes - the tell involves uneven terrain and exposed stone.
- Pair a visit with nearby sites in the Jordan Valley region for a fuller archaeological picture.
- Bring water and sun protection; shade is limited at the tell.
Best Time to Visit Khirbet Kerak#
Spring and autumn for comfortable field conditions and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Khirbet Kerak#
Khirbet Kerak's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 15° - 25° | 20° | 19 mm | some cloud | 61% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Ideal | 18° - 28° | 23° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.7h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 53% | 2.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.1h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 32° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 56% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Ideal | 24° - 33° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 59% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 58% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 29° | 24° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.2h |
| November | Excellent | 14° - 24° | 19° | 48 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 1.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
